A mixture of Bedouin tradition and modern: Dubai
Dubai is such a mixture of the old from the Bedouin tradition and the new—the tallest building in the world–The Burj Khalifa–and the biggest indoor theme park
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On a long-haul flight, Emirates Airlines thinks of everything
It’s the extra touches—the captain signing their travel journals, the chance to have their picture taken in a flight attendant’s or captain’s hat
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Celebrating Harry Potter in Britain on his 20th anniversary
It’s no surprise that Britain is planning a lot of celebrations in Harry’s name. The good news for all of the fans on this side of the pond: It’s an excellent time to visit London and beyond
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Off the rails and trails in Arizona for Cubs Spring training
A quick father-son trip to spring training in the Cactus League to see the World Champion Chicago Cubs (yes that’s still sinking in). Air travel misadventure our first day followed by adventure in the Sonoran Dessert on day 2.
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A Quick Spring Getaway to Aspen
Hank and I went on short spring getaway to Aspen. Although only 12 miles as the bird-flies from where we live in Crested Butte, in the winter it takes about 4 hours to drive around the mountains.
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Montreal Celebrates 375th Anniversary
In 2017, the city of Montreal is celebrating its 375th anniversary, and the festivities run all year long! With activities ranging from festivals, shows and more, there is always something new to explore
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On the Russian River in Sonoma County CA
We’re kayaking in the mouth of the Russian River in Jenner, CA as one harbor seal after another pops up his head. We see Egrets, Great Blue Herons, Ospreys with fish in their mouths, going to their nests presumably.
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Sonoma County CA: a foodie paradise
There are about 500 restaurants in Sonoma County—places to get fresh crab and sandwiches on just-baked bread, freshly made soup and all varieties of cheese.
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Three days in Sonoma County – a birthday treat at a special spa
I’m soaking in a natural thermal pool that’s heated to more than 90 degrees. Even better, the setting couldn’t be more bucolic—flowering shrubs all around. We’re at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Willow Stream Spa,
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Tips and pleasures for late season snow fun on and off the slopes
Wherever you opt to ski this spring break, expect plenty of sunshine, great deals and packages, even at the poshest resorts.
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New Punta Cana Bahia Principe Resort Takes Family Vacations To An Entertaining Level
Punta Cana does not lack all-inclusive resorts. This Dominican Republic beach town is crammed with hotels that cater to vacationers seeking sand, sun and surf.
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March is spring break month – some last-minute ideas
Who says spring break is just for college kids? Certainly not the families impatiently waiting in line at Orlando theme parks, but at least it’s not as hot as in midsummer!
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Finding hidden gems in snow country
There are other hidden gems like Ski Cooper elsewhere in Colorado and around the country for snow-loving families, suited especially for those with young kids and families just learning. Here are five good bets:
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Suzhou, China: Gardens and Canals Equal a Family-Friendly Asian Adventure
As I exited the airport in Shanghai, my preconceived notions about China seemed initially accurate. It was my first time visiting this country and I imagined I would be stepping into a land that had come too far too fast.
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Finding the value at an all-inclusive resort in Mexico
The family had chosen Azul Beach Resort the Fives, a Karisma Gourmet Inclusive Experience, just outside of Playa del Carmen, for their getaway, because it seemed to offer all they needed.
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Snow Shoeing, Back Country skiing and horseback – Vista Verde Guest Ranch
Vacation days don’t often get better than this. After a hearty breakfast at Vista Verde Guest Ranch——think fluffy buttermilk pancakes, sausage, oatmeal and eggs all varieties—we head out together snowshoeing
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Far from the ski crowds: Vista Verde Guest Ranch in Colorado
Vista Verde Ranch, about 25 miles north of Steamboat Springs, is about as opposite a downhill mountain resort as possible. Set on 540 acres in the middle of Colorado’s Routt National Forest, this is the place to come to explore the wilderness on cross-country skis, horseback, fat bikes or snowshoes away from the crowds.
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Skiing conditions not optimal? Try a spa treatment, like at Beaver Creek
It has been dumping snow it seems since we arrived in Colorado. So time for a treat off the slopes. Fantastic is how I feel during the sports fusion massage at the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt two-story Allegria Spa
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To Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands – a trip of a lifetime even for kids
We walked amid thousands of penguins (we saw five species) not bothered by our presence and fur seals who were. The huge elephant seals ignored us, as did the humpback whales we watched from zodiacs.
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Breckenridge CO: Plenty for families on and off the slopes
What I love about Breck, as locals call it, is there is plenty to do even if you aren’t a skier or rider. There are more than 200 restaurants, bars and shops
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Why Colorado’s Keystone Resort is such a hit with families
On the first day of his first trip with his grandchildren to the slopes — at Keystone Resort just 90 minutes from Denver — he couldn’t help getting emotional as the family dropped off the two grandkids, 4 and 8, at ski school.
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At Ski Cooper – a half hour and a world away from Vail and Breck
It feels as if I have the entire mountain with its fresh snow all to myself—and it’s Saturday. Welcome to Ski Cooper, just outside of Leadville with 39 trails and four lifts spanning 400 lift-served acres and no artificial snow
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In Leadville CO — the highest town in the USA!
Just an after dinner stroll. In 10,000-plus feet altitude. In the snow. What could be more fun after a delicious dinner in a Yurt cookhouse?
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Historic sites and museums to visit during Black History Month
February is the ideal time to visit a historic site or explore a museum exhibit celebrating African American History Month, which is also celebrated in Britain and Canada.
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Woodstock VT: A Winter Weekend of Outdoor Activities
Vermont is loaded with quaint villages and covered bridges, but Woodstock stands tall even in state that’s chockfull of adorable.
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Taking the Kids on a lengthy travel ‘sabbatical’
For five years, David and Shari Jacobson saved as much as they could, but they weren’t saving for a dream house or college for their two sons. They were putting money aside for a dream family trip many thought would never happen.
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Azul The Fives – An all-inclusive with practically everything
The smiling woman is making them with fresh corn tortillas in the heart of the plaza. But we’re not in Playa del Carmen’s famous pedestrian Fifth Avenue. We’re just outside Playa del Carmen at Azul Beach Resort The Fives Plaza
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On the Riviera Maya – Suites for big family groups at Generations by Karisma
Welcome to the 144-suite Generations, a Karisma resort about 40 minutes from Cancun. Did I mention grandparents can get a one bedroom unit free this year with a two-bedroom unit for their family? Nice too!
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Bites of Nassau: A Bahamian Food Tour That Goes Way Beyond the Beach
As pleased as our palates were at Atlantis, we weren’t about to miss the opportunity to sample bona fide Bahamian cuisine.
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Backyard Vacations | Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Travel Diaries
Terranea, A Southern California Resort Respite
Perched on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea is a rambling resort on 102 acres of land, pristine and brimming with flora and fauna
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Memories for a lifetime: kids in Antarctica
Each kid on this A&K expedition to Antarctica has many memories but distinct favorites. “Sailing by an iceberg, it was so beautiful,” said Lake, 12, from New York City.
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New Years Day to Remember: the whales in Antarctica
Then there were the whales—feeding at the edge of the ice here in Wilhelmina Bay, which is kind of a supermarket for whales with abundant Krill that the Southern humpbacks feed on.
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Snow fun in the sun in Antarctica on New Years Eve!
The kids—and some of the parents from this Abercrombie & Kent expedition to Antarctica — are sliding down the hill they’ve just trudged up on their backsides. It is so warm everyone has shed parkas, hats and mittens.
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Day One in Antarctica – kids try a spin in the Zodiacs
We’re ashore with Abercrombie & Kent on the rocky, crescent shaped Half Moon Island which was known to sealers as early as 1821. The stars of the show are the Chinstrap Penguins
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Football, roses and art – Pasadena CA has it all
Pasadena, just 12 minutes from Downtown LA via light Metro Rail, has a lot to offer every day—not least the sunshine, 300 days a year.
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Watch for whales, seabirds and penguins on icebergs
Adults and kids alike on the Abercrombie & Kent trip aboard Le Boreal are on deck, bundled in parkas and hats as we pass a giant iceberg where Chinstrap penguins frolic
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Remembering five great family adventures in 2016
Ask anyone what they want from vacation and, besides a good time, they’ll likely answer that they’re after lasting memories for their family
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Kids learn about sailing in the Earth’s most difficult waters
We’re in some of the most treacherous seas of the world, Captain Etienne Garcia, tells the boys and girls.
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On South Georgia Island – learning animal behavior
This morning in Gold Harbor on the southern end of South Georgia, an elephant seal pup, just a few months old, approached Sophie as if to say “Be my friend!”
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Day Two on South Georgia: a Visit to the whaling station
Welcome to St. Andrews Bay in South Georgia with the backdrop of the Heaney and Cook Glaciers and home to the largest King Penguin colony in the world
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South Georgia Island: home of the Oakum Boys
they’re juvenile King Penguins, also known as “Oakum Boys,” who still have a fluffy coat of downy brown feathers and they’re pecking at their moms to feed them
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Who Knew? A Trip to the Fire Station in the Falkland Islands
The fire trucks pull up to our ship Le Boreal in the Falkland Islands, sirens blazing and lights flashing. But there was no emergency.
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It’s time again for families to have some fun in the snow
Peanut M&Ms are good, too. The Aspen, Colorado, middle-schoolers I interviewed for my “Kid’s Guide to Denver and Colorado Ski Country” opine that it’s always smart to have “power candy,” in your pocket
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On a Cruise to Antarctica – 34 Kids and a Whole Lot of Enthusiasm
On the first day of our A&K adventure cruise from Argentina to the Falklands, S. Georgia and Antarctica – 34 kids on board and a lot of enthusiasm for learning
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Six LA museums guaranteed to wow families and kids
But this wasn’t a big holiday sale. People were waiting for the chance to get free tickets to The Broad, Los Angeles’ newest contemporary art museum.
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How about a quick pre-holiday getaway?
Make it an overnight when you head to see that favorite holiday light display or museum exhibit. Go see Santa somewhere else besides the mall.
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A Mother-Daughter Yoga Retreat To Kripalu in the Berkshires
Kripalu, a wellness retreat in the beautiful Berkshires, offers guests a flexible program with the opportunity to practice as much or as little yoga as desired.
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Beach Vacations | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Travel Diaries
Finding the Elixir of Life on Amelia Island FL
At the TMS Family Travel conference held on Amelia Island Nov. 10-12, I experienced how one man’s passion for the culinary arts can convey an aura of wellness over an entire resort
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How they make it all happen in Clearwater FL
Lisa Chandler wants everyone to love Clearwater Beach “by far the most family oriented beach in the state of Florida,”
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Plenty of options for lodging in Clearwater FL
Just before sunset at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater, kids are in the pool on the eighth floor while parents are nearby nursing a cocktail. The beach is spread out below us.
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Fun and education on the beach in Clearwater FL
We just have to decide what we want to do on the six-mile long Clearwater beach just before Sunset.
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Catch your fish and bring it to Nauti Nancy’s in Clearwater FL
At the popular Clearwater restaurant Nauti Nancy’s, families bring their catch–which the restaurant prepares blackened, lemon picata or beer battered—along with sides for $10.
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Taking the kids to Germany’s famous Christmas markets
Germany has the most holiday markets in Europe, drawing tourists from around the world, though you’ll also find them a popular holiday tradition in neighboring Austria, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia.
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Inspired by “Frozen,” families flock to Norway
Not only have spunky Princess Anna and ethereal Queen Elsa stolen the hearts of little girls everywhere, but they’ve significantly contributed to the increasing number of tourists visiting Norway
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Visiting Two Happy Midwestern Cities Competing in the World Series
Whoever wins the World Series, visit Chicago or Cleveland this fall or holiday season and get a dose of happy along with great eats, world-class museums and holiday festivals.
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Backyard Vacations | Best of Taking The Kids | Destinations | Families & Groups | Food and Dining | Lodging | Parks & Outdoors | Weekly Column
At Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado – on a different kind of snow vacation
I wondered when I planned this trip if my gang of grown kids, who love nothing more than tearing down those steep slopes, would like a more laid-back holiday — at least for a few days on a week-long winter trip to Colorado. I needn’t have worried.
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On a family vacation in Portugal
Since 2010, Martinhal Family Hotels & Resorts in Lisbon, Portugal have been providing family-friendly luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, facilities and activities to provide memorable holidays to family groups of all sizes and ages.
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October is “Kids Free Month” in San Diego
No wonder families have been coming here for 100 years. San Diego, of course, is a great bet for families all year round — sunny weather, 70 miles of coastline (take your pick of 30-plus beaches), theme parks (SeaWorld and LEGOLAND) and plenty of history
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On a fall cruise when family doesn’t necessarily mean kids
even without a lot of kids, the ship was still packed with families — mothers and daughters, aunts and cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, grandparents and young grandchildren, even four lifelong friends celebrating their 70th birthdays
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Taking full advantage of Halloween season
You don’t need to wait till Halloween to put on costumes, not when theme parks, resorts and haunted attractions have already kicked off special Halloween events
